Using a full range of original literary sources, modern Continental scholarship, and archaeological research, Pat Southern and Karen R. Dixon provide an overview of the historical period, the critical changes in the army, and the way these changes affected the morale of the soldiers.

This study examines how - and how effectively - the Roman army adapted itself to meet the growing threats to the later Empire's survival: attacks on the frontier, internal unrest, revolts, upsurpations and civil wars. Examining the development and the morale of the Roman army following the reforms of Dio and Constantine, the book focuses particularly on the creation of the field and frontier armies as well as exploring the role of the army in the post-Constantinian period. Individual chapters are devoted to recruitment, conditions of service, equipment, fortifications and siege warfare.

Contents:
List of illustrations, List of plates, Preface and acknowledgements, 1. Sources, 2. Origins, unit strength, organization and titulature, 3. Equipment and unit armament styles, 4. Recruitment, 5. Conditions of service, 6. Training, 7. The hippika gymnasia, 8. The employment of cavalry in peacetime and wartime, 9. Military records and the supply of horses, 10. Roman cavalry mounts, 11. Stables and grooming, 12. Water and food supply, 13. Welfare, 14. Baggage animals, Glossary, Bibliography, Index.

The cavalry was a vital part of the army of Rome and it played a significant role in the expansion and success of the Roman Empire. Karen R. Dixon and Pat Southern describe the origins of the mounted units of the Roman army and trace their development from temporary allied troops to the regular alae and cohorts. They have drawn together evidence from a wide variety of sources: archaeological, epigraphic and literary, as well as comparing ancient testimony with more recent experience of the use of cavalry. The book covers the subject from the perspective of both the men and the horses. How were the horses selected and disposed of; how were they trained, stabled and fed? How were the men recruited, organized and equipped; and what were the conditions of service for a Roman cavalryman? The cavalry had to be employed in peacetime and this is discussed as well as its role in war. The image of the Roman cavalry is often one of excitement and glory but the authors are aware that a true picture must not overlook the routine and the suffering. This book provides a comprehensive account of the Roman cavalry and the current state of knowledge concerning it. The wide selection of illustrations includes original drawings by Karen R. Dixon.